Can Prescription Medications Lead to a DUI Arrest in Florida?

When most people think of DUI, they think of alcohol or illegal drugs. But according to Florida law, a person can be arrested for a DUI while using prescription drugs that impair their ability to drive safely. Some have even been arrested after taking medication that was legally prescribed by a medical doctor. In this article, we’ll discuss prescription drugs and how they can lead to a DUI arrest in Orlando.

Florida DUI laws and prescription drugs 

In the State of Florida, someone may be charged with driving under the influence if they’re drunk, have taken chemical substances, or have taken controlled substances to the point where their normal faculties have been affected. These include legal medicines used by an individual that can impair their ability to operate a vehicle.

Many prescription medicines have been labeled as causing sleepiness, delayed reflexes, dizziness, blurred vision, or poor judgment. In cases where these symptoms cause difficulty driving, the police can consider the individual as being impaired enough to conduct a DUI investigation.

In comparison with alcohol-related DUI cases, there is no universal “legal limit” with respect to prescription medication. Prosecutors depend largely on police observations and field sobriety tests to prove their case.

Common medications linked to DUI arrests

Several types of prescription medication can lead to a DUI arrest in Florida. These include:

• Pain relievers like opioids
• Sedative drugs
• Antidepressants
• Muscle relaxants
• Medications for insomnia
• ADHD medicines
• Anti-seizure drugs

Even over-the-counter drugs can impair your ability to drive properly. The effects of some drugs become obvious when a person starts driving.

Signs officers look for at a traffic stop

During an impaired driving investigation, a police officer might consider the following signs, among others:

• Slurring of speech
• Confusion or delayed reaction time
• Difficulty in coordinating movements
• Reddened eyes
• Lack of coordination
• Drowsiness
• Irregular driving

Some of these signs could also be the symptoms of illness, tiredness, or stress. This means that cases of prescription drug DUI can be more complicated than cases of DUI due to alcohol consumption.

Defending against a prescription DUI charge

A DUI arrest does not automatically mean a conviction. There are several potential defense strategies that could apply in a prescription drug case.

For example, an attorney can challenge whether the driver was actually impaired, question the reliability of field sobriety exercises, or examine whether law enforcement had sufficient probable cause for the arrest. In some cases, medical records or expert testimony can help explain alternative reasons for the driver’s behavior.

Toxicology evidence can also become a major issue. The presence of a medication in a person’s system does not necessarily prove they were impaired while driving.

Speak with an Orlando, FL, DUI Attorney Today

Prescription drug DUI cases involve complicated medical and scientific issues. Drivers who face these charges should take the matter seriously and hire an experienced Florida DUI defense lawyer to defend against the charges. If you’ve been accused of driving under the influence, call FL DUI Group today, and we can begin preparing your defense immediately.